What Is The Heck What Is Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at the greatest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that protect various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, could develop.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and disrupts their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to Asbestos Legal, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For many years it was utilized in many American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to build up which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there is any changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos case fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos legal exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos compensation. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They can then become lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that could be linked to the condition. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can ask a nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.